Dear 2016-ers,

I know many of you have been waiting with bated breath to find out the conclusion of our “Rubenstein-Wold” winter vacation, (my spin on Griswold, the name of the family in the Vacation movies). If you have no idea what I’m talking about and want to join in the laugh, check out the 2 posts on my FB timeline from Dec. 21st and 22nd.

Before I get into the specifics, I have to give ya’ll the backstory involving one of my favorite childhood memories.

Scene: Me, my brother and sister sitting cross-legged on the floor of Circus Circus Casino behind a velvet rope, for what seemed like hours, but was probably more like 45 minutes. These were prime front row seats to the Black Jack show starring Tommy & Barbara, my chain-smoking, kid loving, gambling enthusiast parents.

God love my parents for truly wanting to be with us and actually thinking that an adult vacay would be more fun for them if they got to share it with their 3 children.

"Hit me." "Show me the money!" "Now I need an ace to go with that cowboy." "Those ladies like to shop together!"

“Mom, let’s go. This is so boring,” I say. Tommy responds: “We came to Circus Circus for you kids. Go entertain yourself. Have fun.”

Scott and I have laughed and laughed over the years at the thought of bringing our kids with us while we were enjoying a Vegas weekend away…I mean, who on Earth would think that the ultimate adult Disneyland would be a suitable destination for a family vacation?!?

Well apparently, Barbara & Tommy Dunn, circa 1981; Clark and Ellen Griswold, circa 1997; and fast forward to 2015, Randi & Scott Rubenstein, left Houston, Texas intending to take a Griswold-like road trip with a Grand Canyon destination but ended up in Sin City with their 3 kiddos in tow!

Scott and I looked everywhere for a velvet rope to create a reenactment of that scene but nowadays the casinos have a “no kids in the casino” rule - except while moving through the main walkways so there are no velvet ropes sectioning off the gambling areas. I was really looking forward to the cig hanging out of my mouth to make it seem really real...all for effect of course.

So I guess the lesson is: Sometimes karma chooses to have the last laugh so be careful what you make fun of. Before you know it, you just may find yourself in the starring role of history repeating itself.

I returned 5 pounds heavier and similar to the movie, Vegas Vacation, our Rubenstein-Wold adventure ended with a magic show and yes, just like Clark Griswold, I was invited onto the stage. My invitation came from none other than, the island-owning, king of magic himself, David Copperfield.

Avery, my 14 year old daughter, thought David was a little "handsy" with me as he led me to the stage and mentioned to the audience that "Randi Rubenstein collects men". We were surprised that he didn't extend an invitation to visit the island. Oh well.

And yes again, my teenagers were mortified by my potentially embarrassing behavior. Would I bust out some of my white chick dance moves and ruin the family name?

Cory loves my moves. That is why he is my favorite.

Lucky for all of us, I managed not to fall on my face while blindfolded walking in circles. This is a huge success for someone that is “coordination challenged” like myself.

Even though David Copperfield didn’t attempt to turn me into a white tiger like Siegfried and Roy did with Clark Griswold; I was just happy that my wardrobe malfunction chose not to happen until I returned to my seat. The button of my jeans literally popped off and the zipper wouldn't lock.

(I guess the Hudson jeans were on sale at Saks Off 5th for 1/3 of the price for a reason or maybe that was due to the extra 5lbs?)

So there you have the recap in ALL it’s glory. Nothing went as planned and I returned kinda fat and a lot happy. The people loved their hotel suite, the shopping, the food and the multitude of laughs – mostly at my expense. And as we Mamas know…when the people are happy, it is hard for the Mama to be unhappy.

Rubenstein-Wold Vegas Vacation was definitely not perfection but the connections felt even more solid upon our return home. Success.

If you find yourself wanting support in strengthening the connections in your family, it may make sense for us to hop on a call together. Email me and let me know what is going on with you.